In episode #156 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Dom Scott, Managing Director of Lifetime Connect, for a Mortgage Mentors conversation about social mobility, opportunity and making a difference.

From the barriers young people face and how our industry can open more doors, to what he's learned from mentoring and from fundraising challenges around the world, Dom shares an honest and practical perspective. He also reveals the advice he gives every young person who asks what he'd do differently.

Resources mentioned: Working in Mortgages (workinginmortgages.org.uk) and Making The Leap (makingtheleap.org.uk).

In episode #157, Iain Cunningham, Strategic Partnerships & Propositions Manager at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Terry Blackburn, Founder of The Wealthy Advisor Club, about what the most successful brokers are doing differently right now.

From building a stronger pipeline and having better protection conversations to keeping clients engaged and making smarter use of time, Terry shares practical insight from working with advisers across the market. He also reveals the three things he believes every broker should focus on to elevate their business.

In episode #155, Iain Cunningham, Strategic Partnerships & Propositions Manager at Accord Mortgages, speaks with Matt Coulson, Founder of Heron Financial, about the practical foundations firms should consider before introducing AI into their businesses.

Drawing on Heron Financial's experience of investing in technology, automation and its own software, Matt discusses why data quality matters, the governance questions firms shouldn't overlook and how involving employees can help build confidence around AI.

They also explore how AI could reduce repetitive work while allowing brokers to spend more time on valuable client conversations, with Matt sharing an example of how Heron Financial is already putting that principle into practice.

For smaller firms unsure where to begin, the conversation also considers how brokers can start small, identify worthwhile opportunities and build from practical improvements rather than attempting a wholesale transformation.

In episode #154 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Kevin Purvey, Director of Mortgage Distribution at Coventry Building Society, and Roland McCormack, Head of Intermediary Mortgages at Barclays, for a conversation drawing on more than 80 years of combined mortgage industry experience.

Reuniting three former Bank of Ireland colleagues, Kevin and Roland reflect on the opportunities and experiences that shaped their careers, what good mentoring looks like in practice and the importance of finding the right culture and people to support your development.

They also explore why the broker-customer relationship has remained so resilient through decades of change, and how technology and AI could reshape mortgage journeys while maintaining the value of human advice.

Along the way, Kevin and Roland share lessons from leading through challenging markets, consider how the industry has evolved and offer their perspectives on building a long and successful career in mortgages.

In episode #153 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages is joined by Jason Berry, Group Sales Director at Crystal Specialist Finance, for a conversation about performance, leadership and the importance of putting people at the heart of business.

Drawing on nearly 35 years in financial services, Jason reflects on the influence of his sporting background, what he has learnt about creating lasting industry partnerships and why specialist finance presents an important opportunity for brokers navigating a challenging market.

They also explore the relationship between commercial success and workplace wellbeing. As co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, Jason shares his perspective on where the industry needs to go next and why meaningful action, rather than good intentions alone, matters.

Along the way, Jason discusses how his approach to leadership has evolved, the value of staying ambitious while remaining humble, and the career lesson he wishes he had learnt much earlier.

In episode #152 of the Growth Series podcast, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, welcomes his daughter Emily Davidson, Science Teacher, Physics Specialist and School Leader to talk about leadership, resilience and inspiring the next generation.

Emily reflects on her unconventional career journey, discusses the importance of encouraging more girls into STEM subjects and shares the leadership principles that have shaped her approach both inside and outside the classroom. Together, they explore the value of role models, overcoming challenges, embracing opportunity and why believing in people's potential can have a lasting impact.

Whether you're leading a business, supporting a team or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories that extend far beyond the classroom.

In episode #151 of the Growth Series podcast, Angelika Christian is joined by Josie O'Hanlon, Learning Design Lead at Yorkshire Building Society, to explore the imposter experience and why it can affect people at every stage of their career.

Together, they discuss where these feelings can come from, why they often emerge during periods of change and progression, and how they can influence confidence, performance and decision-making. Josie also shares practical perspectives on developing a healthier mindset, recognising unhelpful thought patterns and supporting others who may be experiencing similar challenges.

An insightful conversation packed with relatable experiences, practical reflections and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to build confidence and continue growing professionally.

In episode #150 of the Growth Series podcast's Mortgage Mentors series, Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Greg Cunnington, Head of Strategic Partnerships (Lender) at L&G Mortgage Club, for a conversation about career progression, leadership and the importance of continuous development in the mortgage industry.

Greg shares how he entered the sector during one of the most challenging periods in its history, what he learned from moving into leadership roles, and why stepping outside familiar environments has been critical to his growth. The discussion also explores mentoring, talent development, industry culture and the balancing act between career ambitions and family life.

Packed with practical insights and honest reflections, this episode provides an inspiring look at the experiences that have helped shape one of the industry's most recognisable leaders.